Mapping Global Talent Pipelines in Biosecurity: Gaps, Opportunities, and Pathways for Growth
Farhan Azam, Tejaswini Dhurde, Vorathep Sachdev
Mentored by Aparupa Sengupta
Working report from the SPAR program. May not reflect the authors' current views.
Abstract
Biosecurity is in transition. Traditional training focuses on lab biosafety and outbreak response, which remain essential but are no longer sufficient. Modern biosecurity must also address emerging risks including AI-enabled design tools, commercial and benchtop DNA synthesis, lab automation, and dual-use research governance. Our analysis of 201 programs across 110+ countries finds that the Global South pipeline has not kept up. We identified three core gaps. First, syllabi largely omit modern-biology risks: only 4% of Global South focused programmes cover AI×Bio and none cover DNA synthesis screening, while 85% still cover traditional lab biosafety. Second, programmes target professionals and government officials, not early-career talent. Third, Global South programs depend heavily on Global North funding, leaving them vulnerable when donor priorities shift. Based on these findings, we offer five recommendations to build more sustainable, paradigm-appropriate talent development in the Global South.